Implementation of the DDR in Cote d’Ivoire: Lessons from past DDR programs

Abstract

Long hailed as “a haven of peace”, Cote d’Ivoire has been facing, since 19 September 2002, its worst political crisis ever since its independence in 1960, leading to the partition de facto of the country, the Northern half part held by the Forces Nouvelles (FAFN) and the Southern part controlled by the government of Laurent Gbagbo, the president in office. After five years of political deadlock, the conflict in Cote d’Ivoire seems to be drawing to a definitive end with the implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Plan. Still, DDR as a program has not always been successful everywhere it has been implemented. This research paper explores and appraises: 1. comparatively some cases considered to be successful (Sierra Leone) and other unsuccessful (Liberia); 2. points out the main reasons for discrepancies in their achievements; and 3. draws the lessons that should be learnt for Cote d’Ivoire, and for other post-conflict settings; and maybe lessen the high expectations placed in the DDR and view it as one of the various ways of dealing with a post conflict environment.

Keywords: Disarmament, demobilization, reinsertion, reintegration, Cote d’Ivoire, rebellion, political crisis.